LOS ANGELES–Members of Congress have already placed inquiries to the Department of Justice regarding INS’s announcement concerning nationals of the Republic of Armenia. Representatives with sizable Armenian-American communities in their districts are particularly concerned about the impact this announcement could have had on the Armenian community. Congressman Adam Schiff (California – District 29)–who represents the cities of Burbank–Glendale and Pasadena immediately made inquiries into the matter.
Within minutes of the news that Armenia had been removed from the INS list–Congressman Adam Schiff called the ANCA-WR and congratulated the organization on its hard work and pledged to "continue to closely monitor this in the coming hours and days in order to address the numerous questions and concerns raised by my constituents."
"The INS has certainly not done its homework on the Armenian community in America or our friends overseas in Armenia itself. Indeed–I believe the actions of the INS constitute an outrageous mistake that casts a shadow over the great character and integrity of the Armenian people," said Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA).
"Our local ANC chapters contacted dozens of Members of Congress to let them know how strongly we feel about this issue. From House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to Congressman George Radanovich–these representatives were briefed and active on this issue," stated Ardashes Kassakhian–Director of Government Relations of the ANCA-WR.
"We were and still are particularly concerned as to how this could have occurred in the first place–since Armenia has absolutely no record of harboring any terrorists. In fact Armenia has been one of the US’s staunchest supporter of the war on global terror and Armenia’s in the United States came out in overwhelming support of President George W. Bush’s pledge to rid the world of terrorism." Kassakhian added.